Hants helps its producers
Hants helps its producers
HAMPSHIRE farmers are set to benefit from a county council initiative which aims to help rural producers to grow and remain competitive.
Supporting Hampshires Rural Producers (SHaRP) – a £100,000 Europe-funded scheme – will promote diversification, e-business and better marketing.
Running until the end of 2003, the project will include workshops and courses on business and management tailored to the needs of food, drink and craft producers.
"There is a re-emergence of interest in locally-produced food – in wholesome, healthy and traceable products," said county council leader Ken Thorber, launching the scheme in Winchester. "We must capitalise on this trend for the benefit of our local producers and, in the long term, for the benefit or our farmed landscape."
Hampshire farmer Ellen Box said: "This is a chance to learn things that can save us money. The public are very fickle – we need to stay one step ahead and this training programme will give us the chance to to that."